Category: Aaron

Cultural Imagery!

After SIR, 1969: gay begins to appear!

Emergence of Gay:

For numerous decades, the term “homosexual” was used to describe same gender loving people as both a definition and as a term synonymous with despicable and/or perverted. The late 1950s and early 1960s marked the transition of the meaning of the word “gay” from that of being “carefree and happy” to that meaning “homosexual” in British usage. The British interpretation slowly began to make its way into American language. By the time of the Stonewall Inn riots (SIR) of 1969, the British term was embraced by the same gender loving rioters and other protesters. For far too long and for too many, “homosexual” was too degrading and too prejudicial.

Vintage buttons proclaiming “gay!”

*************************

Lambda!

Lambda:

The Greek alphabet letter “lambda” was designated in December, 1969, by the graphic artist of the Gay Activist Alliance (GAA), founding member Tom Doerr. Doerr chose it because in chemistry it was the sign for “catalyst.” In this context, Doerr offered that the lambda involved the complete exchange of energy. Tom Doerr also felt that the Greek lambda was symbolic of self-identification, unity and pride. Others argue that lambda denotes synergy of the growing gay movement: the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

In 1970, the lambda was adopted by New York City’s GAA as the emblem of their growing movement for gay liberation. In 1974, it was subsequently proclaimed by the International Gay Rights Congress at their meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, as their symbol for gay and lesbian civil rights. Following their designation, lambda became internationally popular and recognized globally with the same gender loving community.

Unfortunately, many women viewed the lambda symbol as relevant for males only.

*************************

The Pink Triangle!

The Pink Triangle:

Just as the Nazi’s forced Jewish people to wear a yellow star of David, they forced men they identified as homosexual to wear an inverted pink triangle (die Rosa-Winkel) to identify their male gender preference. Those forced to do so were treated as the “lowest of the low in the concentration camp hierarchy.” It is estimated that 65% of those incarcerated as homosexuals died in captivity. Adolph Hitler perceived gay men as an impediment to purify Germany and as a serious threat to Aryan superiority.

After the concentration camps were liberated at the end of World War II, men imprisoned for homosexuality remained locked up. East Germany (communist) didn’t rescind the criminality of homosexuals until 1968. West Germany (democracy) didn’t repeal Nazi laws against homosexuality until 1969. Reunited Germany removed the illegality of homosexuality in 1994.

In 2002, the German government issued an official apology to all gay men who were imprisoned during the war. Rudolph Brazda, the last known concentration camp survivor who wore a pink triangle, died on August 3, 2011, at the age of 98.

Notation: The inverted Pink Triangle, located inside a green circle, is frequently used today to designate “safe” (protected) environments, facilities and spaces for GLBTQ+ persons.

A designated comfort zone for GLBTQ+ persons!

*************************

The Rainbow Pride Flag!

Notation: The Rainbow Pride flag consists of six rainbow stripes. The colours are red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. The red stripe is always the top, the purple the bottom. When first flown, it held eight stripes but was soon revised to six stripes only. The colours represent the ideals below:

The Rainbow Pride Flag:

This flag was first publicly raised on June 25, 1978, in San Francisco, California, USA. It was unfurled over the city’s United Nations Plaza in honour of gay pride at the 1978 San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade. The original flag contained eight coloured stripes and was designed for the event and the occasion by Gilbert Baker. The initial banner was hand-stitched and dyed by Baker with the help of volunteers and friends Lynn Segerblum, James McNamara, Glenne McElhinney, Joe Duran and Paul Langlotz.

The original flag was reconfigured after the unveiling as the banner soared in popularity and the demand became widespread. The new design featured six stripes matching the natural rainbow. The flag discontinued the stripes pink (symbolizing “sex”) and turquoise (“art and magic”) as those two colours were unavailable in flag fabric.

Gilbert Baker conceived the flag would “empower his tribe” (the growing GLBTQ+ community) into a “rainbow of humanity.” The motif represented the movement’s diversity.

*************************

The new Progress Flag among Rainbow Pride Flags!

Evolution: Pride to Progress:

Forty years after the appearance of the Rainbow Pride flag, the Progress Flag debuted as the new banner of the worldwide GLBTQ+ community and culture. The Progress flag incorporated the six stripes of the Rainbow Pride flag along with colours and designs that depict our movement as we march together into the future.

*************************

The Progress Flag!

The Progress Flag of the GLBTQ+ Community and Culture

The Progress Pride flag was developed by non-binary (not conforming gender identity) artist and designer Daniel Quasar in 2018, forty years after the initiation of the Rainbow Pride flag. Based on the six stripes of Gilbert Baker’s 1978 Rainbow Pride flag, Quasar’s redesign celebrates the expanded diversity of today’s GLBTQ+ community and culture and encourages a more inclusive general society. The banner has increased the representation of discriminated minority identities covered by the GLBTQ+ umbrella.

Quasar’s creation placing black and brown stripes (emblems representing peoples of colour) and light blue, pink and white stripes (representing transgender and non-binary persons) in the shape of an arrow on the left of the Progress Pride flag. In Daniel Quasar’s own words “…the arrow points to the right to show forward movement and illustrates that progress towards inclusivity still needs to be made.”

In the Progress Pride flag, the black stripe has a double meaning as it, in Quasar’s intent, to represent not only the African race and their descendants but also “those living with HIV/AIDS and the stigma and prejudice surrounding them as well as all those who have succumbed to the disease.”

On the evening of June 6, 2018, Quasar posted the design for the Progress Pride flag on social media. When he woke up the following day, he discovered that the posting had gone viral. It was an immediate success!

Progress Pride flying over the University of Nottingham!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Thursday, October 17, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Spirit: Stop Bullying Day!”

Coming Out/Awareness Day!

Coming Out Day!

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer+ Awareness Day!

October 11, annually!

Introduction:

Coming Out Day was first observed in 1988 during the critical and tragic years of the onset of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. For far too many men, their diagnosis with the disease often was their “official coming out” of the proverbial closet to family, friends and co-workers. Unfortunately, the beginning of their coming out process was also the fatal and sad beginning of their farewell process.

National Coming Out Day was scheduled on the very first anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights. It was also the occasion of the first complete public display of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt.

Origins of the Phrase:

For centuries, persons who today constitute the GLBTQ+ community and culture were intentionally and legally marginalized (set aside) and segregated (separated) from the remainder of society. They were condemned and judged by church, clerics, government, law, legal enforcement, etc. as “homosexuals,” “perverts,” “queers,” and “sexual deviants.” These were among the more acceptable social labels.

Closets are for clothes only!

Many of “our kind” lived their entire lives without ever sharing exactly what and who they really and truly were with anyone. Some even led a life that was totally false, they married and raised families without revealing their honest identity. This anonymous, concealed, obscure and secretive way of living was colloquially referenced as “being closeted” or as “living in the closet.” The closet being behind closed doors, thus hidden and unavailable for others to see or witness.

Purpose:

Coming out day was the signal for the post Stonewall Inn Riot (SIR) folks to openly and proudly accept, acknowledge and own their identity, their sexual orientation, the what and the who they indeed are. To step “out of the closet and into their life!” As previously mentioned, regrettably, the HIV/AIDS crisis was happening simultaneously.

“Closets are for clothes” was an expression used by body and clothes freedom enthusiasts who were also same gender loving (SGL) – bare practitioners today – to encourage and empower our community and culture in recognizing ourselves for being ourselves; there’s nothing wrong with us!

Artist Keith Haring created this art for the first Coming Out Day, October 11, 1988!

The late world renown artist, Keith Haring, himself an openly gay man living with AIDS, designed the above artwork in honour of the occasion. It remains prominent today as the globally recognized symbol for bravely, confidently, openly and proudly coming out about individual sexuality and for us bare practitioners, our position on body and clothes freedom.

The original concept for Coming Out Day was to combine the personal notification of sexuality with the political message that individual sexual preference was no longer a secret admission of disgrace and shame. There was nothing degrading about sexuality and consequently, there is nothing abnormal or guilty concerning nakedness. In reality, it’s okay for me to be me!

The emphasis on making the personal act of coming out into a political statement is a basic form of activism. Openly coming out (self identification) to family, friends and colleagues and then living life as a confident person publicly refuting bias and marginalization was in the eyes and minds of many as an extension of the SIR. The fact that homophobia (fear of same gender lovers) thrives in an atmosphere or environment of silence and/or ignorance was reality. Once people realize they either know or are related to someone who is indeed GLBTQ+ they are less than willing to remain with discriminatory, hateful and repressive individuals. “Familiarity breeds the seeds of tolerance.”

Coming out of the closet!

Coming Out Day was extensively reported in the media of the 1980’s (broadcast and press). Keith Haring’s art created attention and notice; overall, the response was well received and several noted celebrities did indeed “come out” themselves and/or encouraged their fans and followers to do the same. However, it did not reach the projected multitudes as hoped. The HIV/AIDS dilemma continued to devastate and even mainline Christian fundamentalist clergy began to involve themselves and their faithful in disease care, education and protection efforts. Slowly and hesitantly, the GLBTQ+ population began to identify with the necessity of the campaign to step forward and to “come out!”

Opening doors!

Evolution:

Since the very first National Coming Out Day on 11 October, 1988, so much has happened in our world, specifically in the attainment of GLBTQ+ civil rights, equality and freedoms. In the USA, the removal of the military ban/restriction on service, marriage equality and broad non-discrimination policies and protocols (just to name a few). There is now an almost general acceptance and acknowledgment of our existence and our humanity.

The struggle against HIV/AIDS is no longer seen as an absolute fatality. With proper treatment and care, it is now widely interpreted as a now “manageable” condition. It is not necessary for avoidance and/or isolation.

The purpose of National Coming Out Day has, in keeping with the progress, evolved into a GLBTQ+ awareness day, reminding our general society that we’re still here and yes, we’re still queer! Our sexuality no longer forces us to remain anonymous, invisible and obscure. We have the freedom and the right to be exactly what and who we truly are! The days of guilt and shame are in the past, gone but not forgotten!

For us bare practitioners, our next step forward is that our proclivity for our nakedness is no longer a concern nor a judgment to be determined by others. As long as we respect others, we should expect the equal and same respect for ourselves! Equality works both ways for everyone!

Out and proud!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 14, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Cultural Imagery!”

Historic Questions!

Comparisons?

Does size matter?

For this post entry here today on ReNude Pride, that question is indeed historical as it refers to the “size” of a man’s penis. As this site – and probably the majority of readers – are same gender loving (SGL) men who are either bisexual or gay who are also body and clothes freedom oriented (bare practitioners) it is intended that the penis is the size in question. Thus, the heading shows Landon (Black man) and his friend obviously referring to one another’s manly anatomy!

They’re both pointing to their penis as the subject of their appearance together. Neither one of them are disappointed nor disturbed by their own or the other’s manhood. Their body language – through gestures and facial expressions convey their comfort and confidence with what they each offer to one another and to the camera.

Yes, Landon is an openly (public) gay pornography performer and this particular scene is from one of his films. Yes, it is evident to all that this scenario is sexually-oriented. That is the legitimate recognized purpose of the porn industry. Both men are at ease and relaxed about their nakedness.

Yes, SGL surpasses sexuality. What it is important to note here is that the essential question, Does size matter? extends beyond the theme of sex. Within the male population, the question is asked of all men, regardless of their individual sexual preference. The inquiry is indifferent to SGL or to heterosexual. An overwhelming majority of men, from both backgrounds, acknowledge asking themselves the identical question and wondering where they rank individually.

Curiosity comparison!

Exactly how long have men been curious about the size of their personal genitalia? Historically, we’ll probably never know for certain. However, human nature is an aspect that we all share. It is common to both genders and to all sexualities. Once a man is aware of his anatomy, the question soon follows. Once Adam and Eve were proverbially expelled from the Garden of Eden, the use of covering a person’s genitalia soon followed. When the “covering” practice was introduced, that is probably when the natural curiosity as to the ranking of one’s penis more than likely commenced.

Size Matters: Buttocks?

Dallas “Flash” Wade models his buttocks!

For centuries, if not longer, humans (both genders) have posed the question of size to the male penis. However, now that we are living in the 21st century, the bias and stigma that was forced upon men who preferred the “penetrated” (bottom) role in male-on-male sexual encounters is now rapidly disappearing. It is no longer considered degrading, effeminate, “sissy” or any less masculine to be in the “penetrated” or “receiver” role in strictly gay sexual encounters. The current trend is in versatility or performing in both alpha (top, penetrator) and beta (bottom, receiver) roles sexually.

This trending permits both partners flexibility and avoids the judgments being passed between men. With both men being versatile, they engage in both sexual positions and gain skills necessary to allow them to improve delivery and satisfaction. Multi-skilled and multi-talented!

Because of this sexual phenomenon, more men are now focusing attention on their own buttocks as well as those around them. Now, they’re questioning the size and prominence of their “rear ends.” Is it tight? Does it get the attention and desire of others? For many men, having a bouncy, bubbly pair of buttocks is the goal, and there are now fitness routines geared specifically toward developing and enhancing the masculine derrière! Want more notice? Get better fit! BUYA: “bubble-up-your-ass! There is even commercial padding to enrich one’s size! Just be aware that an intimate moment reveals the truth!

The passive or penetrated partner in male-on-male relationships was often conceived strictly as a pleasure toy subservient to their dominant or active (penetrator) partner. The term passive was derived for the recipient because all required from them was to simply lay on their stomach and to surrender their buttocks to their active (dominant) male partner. For centuries, in what is now known as same gender loving (SGL) male relationships, the person performing the passive role was considered lowly and a very degraded individual. They were consistently looked down upon by all.

Now that the 21st century has arrived, the prejudicial stereotypes that have plagued the SGL population are now dissipating from the routine. It is no longer absolutely necessary for us to encourage everyone to “come out of the closet.” The overwhelming majority of us were never in a situation when “closeting” (discretely being SGL) is even possible. Nor is hiding one’s sexuality from family and friends even practical. At the very least, most people now understand that SGL persons exist and no longer fear being what and who they are.

Reality!

One’s preferred position during sexual intimacy is no longer a criteria for judgment for or against a person. Versatility (being flexible) in sexual roles is now the popular trend, as well it should be. The individuals involved in an encounter should be the only one’s concerned with the outcome. Biased stereotypes have no role to play in our fulfillment and happiness!

Of course, the historical question being: does size matter? There is no perfect probable way to determine the answer to that question. The responses would more than likely equal the number of times the question was offered. It is relatively certain that the honest and simplest reply is that it all is contingent upon the preference of the engaged individuals. After all, as far as others are concerned, it is no one’s business except their own!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, October 7, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “October’s Bright Blue Weather!”

Bottoms-Up! September, 2024!

Final skinny-dipping!

Summer, 2024, officially ended a week ago! Our man took advantage of the change and took his final skinny-dip on the very last full day of this month. He didn’t wait until the “last minute” – he actually made it his very first skinny-dip for Autumn, 2024!

A communal glimpsing to observe a bottoms-up! view of the skyline before the season of Summer, 2024, officially ends, once and for all! Even though the season may end, the majority of us know that our bottoms-up! opportunities will continue all year long!

Curled toes!

Submerged (underwater) bottoms-up! in the outdoor pool. Cooling himself before the upcoming autumn chill arrives!

Bottoms-up! with a warning!

The last day of summer and he’s bottoms-up! with an advisory warning: completely bare practitioners area. No time for any type of clothing: period!

Beach: bottoms-up! trio!

The threesome here are wasting no time even considering covering their buttocks. It’s the last day of the month of September and the new autumn season is already underway! Enjoy the sun’s rays while it is possible!

Bottoms up! and removing!

Our enthusiast can’t wait until he strips off his wet bikini and becomes a total bottoms-up! man!

Have a happy last day of September, 2024!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, October 1, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “GLBTQ+ 2024 History Month!”

Autumn Road Trip!

Road trip passenger!

The upcoming weekend is the very first one now that the Autumn season has arrived here in the Northern Hemisphere. We all know that the seasonal transition does not generate an immediate change in our outdoor temperatures. A majority of us have the luxury of comfortable and moderate weather during the beginning of the Autumn season, as we likewise briefly experience the lasting effects of the winter when spring arrives.

Probably, no drastic and immediate change in our weather patterns when seasons transit from one to another is for our benefit and comfort. The gradual nature of the adjustment gives us the relief of not being frozen solid overnight. For us bare practitioners, we avoid the loathsome burden of clothing ourselves for a few extra weeks! It also presents us with the opportunity to relax and relish in the glory of body and clothes freedom for a brief period longer!

Bare practitioner: behind the steering wheel!

An early Autumn road trip, especially in a vehicle with fellow bare practitioners, allows us all to have our social companionship and our body and clothes freedom simultaneously. The best of both worlds combined over a set of car wheels and an open highway! If the seasons absolutely must change, then this is one exceptional advantage from evolving from a season of pleasure into one of moderation!

My spouse, Aaron, does insist that I offer a word of caution here. In the interest of both transport and public safety, his advice is that we all remember when we’re behind an automobile’s steering wheel, our primary responsibility are our passengers and all others driving along the roadways. Everyone has a destination and wish to arrive alive and well.

Unlike our driver, above, keep eyes on the road ahead! Anticipate moves from other drivers and watch for vehicular patterns. Not all drivers are as attentive and focused as we are. Unfortunately, erratic and impulsive behaviour is more common now as the number of autos travelling increases. Be aware and take care!

Active passenger!

Driving a road trip is an enormous responsibility. It involves and requires all of our attention throughout the entire trip, no matter what season of the year. As much as our passengers would like our undivided attention, our goal is alive and well for us all! Remind those in the vehicle with us that signals can wait until the destination is reached!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, September 30, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-up! September, 2024!”

End of Summer, 2024!

An embracing farewell to Summer, 2024!

In the Northern Hemisphere, Summer, 2024, officially ends – local date and time – 22 September, 2024, at 8:44 a.m. The season of Autumn follows immediately thereafter!

Looking towards a new season!

Personally, for almost my entire life, I dreaded the transition from summer into autumn. The change of the seasons meant the return of colder weather – accompanied by ice, snow and misery! As I have written here repeatedly, I am a “heat and humidity” man! As temperatures drop, so do my spirits!

I have matured over the past years, and the passing of the seasons is no longer as traumatic as it once was. Aging may have finally enabled me to become somewhat more tolerant of cooler weather, although I remain discomforted by the freezing extremes of winter-time!

The transition from the glorious summertime into Autumn has eased with the presence of my spouse, Aaron. He is as much of a fan of the summers as me, but the Autumn season arrival was not as depressing for him as it often was for me. His attitude is more along the lines of “one-day-at-a-time” instead of my “here-it-is-disaster-approaches!”

Sunset to Summer, 2024!

Our plans for this upcoming weekend are to be outside as much as possible, and as bare as possible! There’s nothing special or unique in those assignments. We’re joining with two other bare practitioner couples on Saturday (weather cooperating) for a riverside hike hike, picnic and skinny-dip into the river. Sunday is a lazy day with no concrete plans (at the moment). It is, after all, the arrival of the autumn!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, September 23, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Sticky-Note!”

Exemplary Efforts!

Brief Photo-Essay:

Make Every Moment Count!

Enhancing September’s Summer Nakedness!

A visual offering of ideas and suggestions for spontaneous measures in photography and bare practitioner enrichment while natural in nature! Before the seasonal transition occurs, visually document your comfort with our environment as we celebrate the final days of our summer!

My friend and fellow blogger, Adimu Mawzi, joined together several years ago to commemorate the very last day of the summer of 2014. Aaron, my spouse, was at work on this day so we traveled to Richmond, Virginia, to spend some time riverside at a park near my childhood home.

I’m not adept at photography, so there were some difficulty as we attempted to adjust the automatic lens on my inexpensive camera!

*************************

Attempting to compensate for my extremely weak skills in operating a camera, the below images, I hope, will provide some additional resources to consider in creating memories of enjoying life naturally (without clothing) in our comfortable and warm natural world!

My spouse, Aaron, is my usual source for picture selections. However, upon our return from visiting Mama in Greece, he learned of the sudden death of a long-time co-worker and friend. I am respecting his grief and his need for solitude and am asking the same from all of you.

Pose and print! Be creative and make a memory that will last for you all through the upcoming winter season!

Of course, let’s not overlook our bare practitioner social media model, Dallas “Flashman” Wade, and his penchant for grooming himself! Details and patience!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, September 13, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Friday Footnote: 13!”

A Calamity of Souls!

Reading while sunbathing, poolside!

Book Review: A Calamity of Souls

Introduction:

Today’s post entry here on ReNude Pride is the title of the most recent novel from Virginia-native author, David Baldacci. The first edition of A Calamity of Souls was published by Grand Central Publishing in April, 2024. For more than two decades, David Baldacci has been among my favourite contemporary authors. Up until Papa’s death in 2018, whenever a new hardback by Baldacci was released, I always purchased two copies: one for me and the other for Papa. Baldacci, like Aaron and myself, still resides in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Background on A Calamity of Souls:

In my twenty years of reading David Baldacci’s books, I was aware of his Virginia birth and residency but was totally clueless that he grew up in the City of Richmond during the 1960s and 1970s. When my parents and oldest brother emigrated from Greece in the early 1970s, they purchased our family home in the Stonewall neighborhood, located in south Richmond between Semmes Avenue and the James River. The neighborhood where we grew up in was a primarily African-American area and one of the few in Richmond that accepted arriving emigrants. In A Calamity of Souls Baldacci acknowledges that with a “foreign” surname (Italian), Richmond was not a very welcoming municipality. We share that similarity. Same city. Different timeframe.

Richmond, Virginia, has the distinction of being the capital city of the failed Confederacy during the American Civil War over the future of slavery. Up until the arrival of the 21st Century, this fact was blatantly obvious. The undertones of racial inequality and and segregation based on skin colour were broadcast rather than hidden. The inability of the Virginia lawyer, Jack Lee, in A Calamity of Souls to comprehend the extent of the bigotry and hatred evident in 1968 in understood through the experienced eyes of the author, David Baldacci, and through his personal life experiences.

Synopsis:

Set in the tumultuous year of 1968 in southern Virginia, a racially charged murder case sets a duo of Black and White lawyers against a deeply unfair legal system as they work to defend their wrongfully accused Black defendants in this courtroom drama. The two are professionally joined by chance without any prior legal connection.

Jack Lee is a White attorney from Freeman County, Virginia (fictional), who has never done anything to push back against racism until he decides to represent Jerome Washington, a Black man charged with brutally killing an elderly and wealthy White couple. Doubting his decision, Lee fears that his professional skills may not be enough to prevail in a case where the odds are already piling up against both himself and his client. He soon recognizes that he is far removed not only from his expertise but also from his obligation to best portray his client as innocent from the verdict in a murder trial.

Desiree DuBose is a Black attorney from Chicago, Illinois, who has dedicated her professional focus in advancing the causes of equality and justice for everyone, no matter their gender and/or race. She comes to Freeman County in rural southwest Virginia and joins with Jack Lee in a fractious and unwieldly partnership in an escalating legal conflict with the best and popular prosecutor in the Commonwealth of Virginia: the duly elected Attorney General. DuBose is cognizant of the reality that powerful archconservative alliances outside the state are uniting to counter the achievements and progress attained by the civil rights movement.

Lee and DuBose are practically exact opposites. Neither one of them alone can halt the official prosecutorial direction towards a guilty verdict and the death penalty. Yet combining together they forge forth towards a balanced and fair trial with the ultimate goal of true justice.

One of my Hellenic (Greek) comrades, a noted New York Times bestselling author himself, offered this comment on Baldacci’s A Calamity of Souls: “An instant classic. Not just a great American crime story this is a great American novel.” ~ Alex Michaelides ~

I’ve read the entire book – twice; as has Aaron, my spouse. The second reading brought forth details not captured in the initial exploration of the book. Aaron insists that I add here that the ending of the novel is absolutely not the ending anticipated or expected!

One of the aspects of Baldacci’s writing that is very impressive is his use of the interactions of the two attorneys, Jack Lee and Desiree DuBose, to illustrate the subtle use of conversation and the two different views of racism inferred from the same dialogue. Bias and racism are based upon personal experience. Thus, the situation will present different connotations and meanings to all the individuals involved.

Summary: A fitting irony

In his opening Author’s Note, Baldacci writes briefly of Richmond’s infamous Monument Avenue where Confederate celebrities were featured statues. When Richmond native international tennis legend Arthur Ashe, an African-American, died from an AIDS transfusion, a major controversy erupted when plans were announced to erect a statue in his memory along Monument Avenue. The conflict focused that Monument Avenue memorials featured White Confederate images. Ashe was Black even though he was actually born and grew up inside of the City of Richmond! Evidently, he was too “coloured” for the Confederacy!

Following the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement in early 2020, the City removed all the Confederate statuary. Today, Arthur Ashe’s statue is the only remaining one an all of Monument Avenue. A commitment to justice served! Obviously, the others were too White to be featured in the city!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Saturday, August 31, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Bottoms-Up! August, 2024!”

Notoriously Naked!

Phoenix Fellington, our very own celebrity!

Phoenix Fellington, performance name of ReNude Pride’s celebrity openly gay spokes-model and acclaimed gay porn actor, gives us all a “visual treat” of his buttocks being served for admiration in a park setting on a picnic table! His birth name is Tre Leron Fenderson and he’s publicly proud to be not only same gender loving (SGL) but actively demonstrating and encouraging nakedness whenever and wherever possible! We’re all grateful and thrilled to have him as a part of our bare practitioner community and culture and a dynamic endorser of Team ReNude Pride!

“Some simple advice and thoughts on posing proudly as gay and naked in today’s chaotic and hectic world. Have fun and remember to smile!” ~ Phoenix Fellington ~ openly gay pornography actor and ReNude Pride’s spokes-model

Surf’s up! Phoenix!

Before the departure of the Summer, 2024, season, Phoenix advocates everyone to take advantage of what remains of the comfortable weather for body and clothes freedom. Get comfortable: rid yourself of those burdensome clothes and get natural in nature! If you have friends who’ll join you, lead the way! Fun in the sun is good for everyone!

Phoenix, the leader of the hike along the Nature Trail – bottoms-up! first!

“I love being nude outside – all in the open!” ~ Phoenix Fellington ~ openly gay pornography actor and ReNude Pride’s spokes-model

The former U.S. Marine is successful in his professional life because he has no “hang-ups” or reluctance to appear in his nakedness. He wants to waste as little time as possible wearing clothes or trying to cover his body. He is a firm believer that his nudity is nothing to deny or to hide. An attitude that we all, as bare practitioners, need to adopt and to follow!

Nakedness solo among his peers!

Others with him pose in gay porn industry studio attire to promote their studio. Phoenix poses naked solo in order to endorse both being gay and being naked with no concern over guilt, judgment and/or shame!

Phoenix at a clothing optional beach!

He champions posing naked as an ideal way to strengthen body self-image and to impress others with confidence and poise!

When a studio has our man under contract and is hosting a social event to encourage investors, he has no hesitation, misgivings or qualms about attending, stripping off his clothing and socializing completely and proudly nude, even if he’s the only one doing so! All of this without any of the studio executives asking him to do so! Phoenix is nothing short of being bare, bold, confident, decisive, determined and proud of being exactly what and who he is: gay and naked!

Embarrassment, guilt, modesty and shame hold nothing over our man and his nakedness and/or his sexuality!

His philosophy is that he’s already played that “game” earlier in his life and while he was a Marine. Now, leave him alone and he’ll proceed with integrity and pride while being same gender loving (SGL) and sensational in his nakedness!

Phoenix Fellington, our porn-star and our friend!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, August 26, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “A Calamity of Souls!”

Familiar Comfort!

Getting in the relaxation mode!

Background:

On the flight to Mama’s this past Friday, my spouse, Aaron, and I collaborated on composing this posting for today. The intent was to share for everyone a tiny aspect of our life together within the setting of my immediate family. Enjoy! Your comments and thoughts are always welcome!

The flight home to Skyros in Greece ended without Aaron and I getting arrested and/or escorted off our flight for what some refer to as “indecent exposure!” Upon the arrival, one of my brothers met us at the terminal and delivered us both, fully clothed, to my mother’s home. We both waited until after my siblings and their families left for their homes before we retired to our bedroom (while there) and restored the comfort of our nakedness!

While we were growing up, all of my brothers learned of my identical twin, Alex, and our preference for body and clothes freedom. Whenever we were in our shared bedroom, we were always nude or else in the process of becoming naked! Our mother was the only woman in our household; all brothers and my father so our being nude was never an issue as long as we wore clothing whenever we were outside our bedroom!

Comfort restored!

Concerning my immediate family (Mama and all my brothers and their families) Twin (Alex) and I and our preference for nakedness isn’t the “hot” topic of conversations and jokes anymore. Since first meeting Aaron (before our marriage), the subject of our naked life hasn’t been the centre of discussion that it once held. Life moves on and the focus is now more progressive and involved than it was “back-in-the-day.” They are all aware of our efforts here with ReNude Pride and what, if any, interest remains with our participation in body and clothes freedom concerns generally is nothing more than a casual thought.

Aaron and I have an assigned set of rooms at my parent’s home. The house was originally built for my paternal grandfather and consists of a bedroom and bathroom with a shared sitting room across the hallway from used by Alex and his partner, Dante. There is privacy in this part of the family home that Mama respects. If Alex and Dante are there when we are, our comfort for nudity isn’t an automatic “family” matter. This arrangement provides us twins with the comfortable and familiar environment of “home” even if we have two continents and the Atlantic Ocean between our actual dwellings and Mama’s house. Not a bad setting for the identical twin “middle children” (three older brothers, ourselves, and then three younger brothers!

Towering together!

Addendum:

Like most of the Northern Hemisphere, Skyros, Greece, is usually ideal for skinny-dipping (swimming naked) during the month of August. This year, thus far, is not a disappointment! This is a short notation to remind everyone here that August, 2024, is more than half over! Strip and go skinny-dip now before the summer is gone!

A Mediterranean skinny-dip!

Aaron and I are both avid fans of skinny-dipping! No surprise there! The fact that Skyros is one of the Greek islands and the Mediterranean Sea borders along a part of Mama’s property adds a special bonus to visiting my ancestral home. We’re both grateful for the opportunity to bare practice (experience nakedness) in these historic waters where countless others have done the same for centuries before our time!

Aaron sunbathing after a skinny-dip!

Our eight days here with Mama are passing too fast for us to remember where we’ve put everything! Best wishes for a happy week!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, August 23, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Notoriously Naked!”